Sandbag Locations Open as Tropical Storm Nears Moss Point

A tropical system in the Gulf is expected to bring heavy rain, gusty winds, and coastal flooding to the Mississippi Coast this week. The City of Moss Point has proclaimed a local emergency effective at noon on Monday, July 20, and sandbag locations are open now for residents, with two pickup sites inside the city limits announced by the Jackson County Office of Emergency Services.

Sandbag locations in Moss Point

Residents can pick up sandbags at these locations in Moss Point:

• Sue Ellen Gym, 4131 Sue Ellen Street, Moss Point, MS
• New Central Fire Station, 4204 Bellview Street, Moss Point, MS

These sites are current as of Monday, July 20. The county’s Emergency Operations Center designates which locations open for each storm, so check back here or on the City’s Facebook page if conditions change.

City proclaims a local emergency

Ahead of the storm, Mayor Billy E. Knight, Sr. and Interim Fire Chief David Eaker signed a Proclamation of the Existence of a Local Emergency, effective at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, July 20, 2026. Issued under Section 33-15-17(c) of the Mississippi Code, the proclamation recognizes that the projected tropical storm may bring excessive rains, high tides, and winds capable of flooding areas of the city, and it exists to provide for the health and safety of our residents and the protection of their property.

The proclamation orders every City agency and department to render all possible assistance and carry out their emergency responsibilities under the City’s Emergency Operations Plan. The Board of Aldermen will review the local emergency at its next meeting, and every thirty days after, until it is no longer needed and is proclaimed terminated.

What forecasters expect

According to the National Hurricane Center, Tropical Depression Two is expected to strengthen into Tropical Storm Bertha and move near or along the northern Gulf Coast over the next several days. A Tropical Storm Watch and a Storm Surge Watch are in effect for the Mississippi Coast. Forecasters expect 2 to 4 inches of rain, with isolated totals near 8 inches, along with storm surge of 1 to 3 feet and wind gusts above 40 mph. Heavy rain could begin as soon as tonight, with tropical storm conditions possible in our area by Tuesday night into Wednesday.

The storm is moving slowly, which means rain could linger through the week. Slow storms raise the flooding risk in low-lying neighborhoods and along our rivers, so now is the time to get ready.

Prepare now and stay informed

The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency recommends securing loose outdoor items, keeping phones charged, and never driving through flooded roads. If you live in an area that holds water, place sandbags before the rain arrives rather than during it.

If you notice a blocked storm drain or street flooding before or after the storm, let us know through the City’s Report an Issue portal so Public Works can respond.

The City of Moss Point will share updates on the City’s Facebook page and here at cityofmosspoint.org as the storm develops. Look out for your neighbors, especially those who may need help moving sandbags, and stay weather aware.